Shake Things up with a Wyborowa Valentine’s Day

Morning I-love-yous. Evening Netflix. Sunday brunch. Now, a bit of consistency in a relationship is always healthy, but shaking up your ritual can go a long way, too. It’s exciting. It’s sexy. And if there’s ever a day to do it on, it’s Valentine’s Day.

This year I’ve ditched the bottle of red and added Wyborowa to the mix. A double-distilled rye vodka (or wódka, as us Poles know it), Wybo’s an enjoyable spirit simply poured over ice — people do sip vodka, after all — thanks to its light anise aroma. But if you want to make your evening particularly memorable, try mixing it up in one of these cocktails courtesy of Poznań, Poland.

The beauty of these mixed drinks is that their looks alone can be enough to impress your date, but the recipes are actually a snap (or a shake) to make. Even better? There’s one you can mix up for her to conclude your Valentine’s, well, night — and one more, just for you. (Because I’m good like that.)

Mix all ingredients except raspberry liqueur and pour into an old fashioned glass or tumbler. Top up with crushed ice. Pour raspberry liqueur over the ice, allowing it to lace down to the bottom of the glass. Optional: garnish with two raspberries.

For him: Northside

Ingredients:

50ml Wyborowa

30ml lime juice

20ml simple syrup

8 mint leaves

Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes. Shake well. Strain carefully into a pre-chilled cocktail or martini glass. Optional: garnish with a mint leaf.